Math  /  Algebra

QuestionSolve the System using the Elimination Method. 3xy=3xy=7\begin{array}{c} -3 x-y=3 \\ x-y=7 \end{array}
Solution: \square help (points)

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We need to find the values of xx and yy that satisfy both equations simultaneously using the elimination method. Watch out! Be careful with the signs when subtracting equations!
A little slip-up can lead to a wrong answer.

STEP 2

1. Eliminate yy
2. Solve for xx
3. Substitute and solve for yy

STEP 3

Alright, let's **kick things off** by noticing that both equations have a y-y.
This is perfect for the elimination method!
We'll subtract the second equation from the first equation to eliminate the yy variable.
Why subtract?
Because y(y)=y+y=0-y - (-y) = -y + y = 0.
This is sometimes called "adding to zero".

STEP 4

3xy=3(xy)=7\begin{array}{c} -3x - y = 3 \\ -(x - y) = -7 \end{array}

STEP 5

Distribute the negative sign in the second equation.
Remember, multiplying by 1-1 flips the sign of each term! 3xy=3x+y=7\begin{array}{c} -3x - y = 3 \\ -x + y = -7 \end{array}

STEP 6

Now, let's add the equations together: (3xy)+(x+y)=3+(7)(-3x - y) + (-x + y) = 3 + (-7)

STEP 7

Combine like terms: 4x=4-4x = -4

STEP 8

Divide both sides of the equation by 4-4 to isolate xx.
Remember, we're dividing to one, since 44=1\frac{-4}{-4} = 1. 4x4=44\frac{-4x}{-4} = \frac{-4}{-4}

STEP 9

x=1x = 1 We've got our **xx value**!

STEP 10

Now, let's **substitute** our shiny new xx value (which is 11) back into one of the original equations.
Let's use the second equation, xy=7x - y = 7, because it looks a little simpler.

STEP 11

Substitute x=1x = 1: (1)y=7(1) - y = 7

STEP 12

Subtract 11 from both sides of the equation: 1y1=711 - y - 1 = 7 - 1

STEP 13

y=6-y = 6

STEP 14

Multiply both sides by 1-1 to solve for yy: (1)(y)=(1)6(-1) \cdot (-y) = (-1) \cdot 6

STEP 15

y=6y = -6 Boom! We found our **yy value**!

STEP 16

The solution is x=1x = 1 and y=6y = -6, or (1,6)(1, -6).

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